If you’re uncertain what to get your family caregiver this year, we want to share meaningful, “no cash needed” Christmas gifts.

A research report from Caregiving in the U.S. dated June 2015 reported an estimated 43.5 million adults in the United States have provided unpaid care to an adult or a child. As you take a moment to look at caregivers across our nation, you will find them within every ethnic group, socioeconomic group, and every age, both male and female. They are as individual as you are and need different kinds of support depending on the people they care for and their own circumstances.

So, this Christmas, give a personal gift that speaks to the heart of your family caregiver. Here are 11 ideas to get you started:

1. Observe practical things you can do that would really help your caregiver.
2. Put away groceries sitting on the counter. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know exactly where things go. Get the cold things into the fridge and dry goods in the pantry. Your family caregiver can sort it out later.
3. Better yet, offer to pick up things from the store.
4. Take the trash out and remember to put new trash bags in the trashcan.
5. Pick up and drop off the mail, or sort it if there is a stack sitting there.
6. Let them bend your ear. Caregiving can feel lonely. Be that confidential listener they sometimes need.
7. Keep your opinions to yourself unless your advice is solicited.
8. Encourage them by pointing out the things they are doing well.
9. Schedule a time for coffee or tea and have some meaningful conversation (not about caregiving).
10. Surprise them with a special treat i.e. chocolates or a fruit basket.
11. Write a note. A sincere, handwritten thank you can mean so much.